Best 20 Tourist Attractions in Singapore

Singapore is certainly a fascinating place, not only because of its modern architecture and out of this world attractions, but also because of its heritage and rich culture. There are literally thousands of things to see and do in Singapore, no matter what your tastes or your age. Even though every attraction has its own timeless spirit and charm, to make it easier for you, here are the best 20 tourist attractions in Singapore.

Tourist Attractions in Singapore

The original idea of this article was about best 10 tourist attractions in Singapore, but there are literally tons of tourist attractions in Singapore, so we decided to come up with 20 best tourist attractions in Singapore article rather then 10. Here is the list.

20. Asian Civilization Museum

Asian Civilization Museum is located on 1 Empress Place. Even if you’re not very keen on museums and galleries, the Asian Civilization Museum would prove interesting to explore, as it will give you a unique insight into the heart of Asia and its people. You’d be able to discover interesting facts about the history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia, which would really help you understand Singapore’s rich and diverse heritage and thus will make you feel a bit closer to its people and captivating culture.

If you are a fan of history and Asian civilization then this museum should be in your list of tourist attractions in Singapore.

19. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade Theatres on the Bay is located on 1 Esplanade Drive. This building is become a favorite place both for patrons of the arts and those who simply love beauty. The Theatres on the Bay is located right next to the Singapore River, as the name suggests, it is a concert hall and theatre. The place also houses the Library@Esplanade, which is Singapore’s first public library for the performing arts. Here you can enjoy art not only inside the building, but also from the outside, as the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay is a futuristic piece of architecture that will remind you of an alien creature, or perhaps a golden armadillo, with glass walls covered in metal pyramid-like spikes. Definitely a place to at least pass by, even if you don’t have time to see a performance.

If you are fan of performing art & theatre then Esplanade Theatres on the Bay should be in your list of Singapore tourist attractions.

18. Arab Street & Haji Lane

Haji Lane is a tiny street located within the Muslim quarter. Even though it is a bit hidden away, those who do find it are certainly rewarded. The buildings themselves are very hip looking and have a special charm, constituting in their colorful and extravagant architecture. Arab Street, which is just as colorful as Haji Lane, has shops abundant with soft, wonderfully-woven carpets and delicate fabrics. Arab Street is also home of best Middle Eastern Cuisine in Singapore. This is, perhaps, one of Singapore’s most charming areas and a stroll down those streets is sure to give you a fun and enchanting experience.

17. Night Safari Singapore

Night Safari Singapore is located on 80 Mandai Lake Road. This is a very special experience that attracts many tourists. Night Safari Singapore is the first nocturnal zoo in the world, home to 120 species about 29% of which are endangered. Even though other zoos also have nocturnal houses, what they typically do is reverse the animals’ cycle, so they are awake during the day. In contrast, Night Safari Singapore is open only during the night and will make you feel exactly as though you’re entering a tropical rainforest. As the zoo is conscious of providing a natural habitat for the animals, it is divided into 7 geographical zones, which can be explored both by foot and with a small tram. What’s more, you can often become a spectator of a tribal dance demonstration and other cultural activities.

16. Singapore River

The Singapore River, which is about 3 miles long, flows from the Central Area into the ocean and is one of the city’s most wonderful treasures. Historically, the city grew around the river and its port, which supported financially the people of Singapore. Nowadays Singapore River is just as important, especially as it is a great tourist attraction with many activities. You can take various types of cruises on the river, from short bumboat rides to long cruises of Singapore and its surrounding islands. Cruising the river will let you observe some of Singapore’s historical buildings, as well as the new architecture, from a different perspective. If you don’t feel like walking around the city, you can also hop on a water taxi.

15. Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park is located on 2 Jurong Hill. The slogan of this fascinating place is “Where colour lives” and even that is enough to make you realize that you’re in for a treat. Within this beautifully landscaped park you can enjoy an enormous variety of bird species. The most famous exhibits include the second-largest walk-in aviary in the world, Dinosaur Descendants – a display of flightless birds, the Lory Loft, the Penguin Coast with its five species of penguin and the World of Darkness, which is the first nocturnal bird house in Asia. Jurong Bird Park is also world largest bird park in terms of number of birds.

14. Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens is located on 1 Cluny Road. If you have ever wondered what Paradise looks like, the Singapore Botanic Gardens probably come closest. This 183-acre flora haven will impress even the least keen on nature. It is the only botanical garden in the world open from 5 AM until midnight, which makes it astonishingly versatile and allows you to witness both the sunrise and sunset in its midst. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are home to thousands of plant species and feature waterfalls, fountains and countless picturesque alcoves where you can rest and enjoy the view. On top of it all, entrance to the gardens is free of charge, apart from the National Orchid Garden, which features some of the most elegant orchid displays imaginable. It is difficult to picture such a tranquil and surreal place in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world, which makes the Singapore Botanic Gardens a great treasure and one of the best tourist attractions in Singapore.

13. The Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer is located on 30 Raffles Avenue. This is a giant Ferris wheel excellent for observing the city. Up until recently it was the tallest of its kind in the world, but now it is the second tallest Ferris wheel in the world as one was built in LA, USA. The Yakult Rainforest Garden is situated right under the Flyer, giving you the opportunity to make a slow transition between lush vegetation and beautiful architecture, as you ascend into the air. The trip is about 30 minutes long and can also be made at night, if bright lights are your passion. For those who are looking for a very special romantic experience, the Flyer provides the opportunity for private capsule booking as well as private dining.

12. Chinatown

Chinatown is located around 48 Pagoda Street. Chinatown is a very interesting neighbourhood within Singapore. As the name suggests, there is a large Chinese ethnic concentration there, as well as many heritage sites. This place has a distinct character, much different from the rest of Singapore and is definitely worth the visit. The quarters are brightly colored and very lively, with abundance of typical Chinese symbols such as red lanterns and dragons. There you can enjoy typical cuisine and spa treatments, as well as visit some intriguing sights such as the Thian Hock Keng Temple – the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Chinatown Heritage Center, which will give you a rewarding peek into history.

11. National Museum of Singapore

National Museum of Singapore is located on 93 Stamford Road. This is Singapore’s oldest museum, housed in a grand building. It is concentrated mostly around the history of Singapore and attracts tourists with precious artefacts, such as the earliest photograph of Singapore, the Singapore Stone surrounded by a lot of mystery and controversy, the Gold Ornaments of the Sacred Hill and many more. This is an excellent learning and leisurely activity, which impresses tourists the most with its brilliant self-guided tour.

10. Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo is located on 80 Mandai Lake Road. Hearing the word “zoo” often calls to your mind images of heavy steel bars and sad, aggravated animals. Not the Singapore Zoo. It is home to about 315 animal species, all housed in environments as close as possible to their natural habitat. The barriers between the visitors and the animals are hidden, so as to create a real wildlife experience and provide a good life for the inhabitants.

Approximately 16% of the species living in the zoo, like the white tigers, are considered endangered. This provides you with the opportunity to peek into the world of some truly amazing creatures and helps you understand why it is important to preserve wildlife. There’s also a number of educational and captivating animal shows – a real pleasure no matter what your age.

9. Clark Quay

Clark Quay is located on 3E River Valley Road. This is the “it” place for nightlife in the megapolis. This historical river quay has been transformed into Singapore’s most lively and entertaining district. There are five blocks of restored warehouses with various clubs, bars and restaurants inside them. In addition to the vast number of entertainment establishments, the Clark Quay will soon be home to the first permanent illusion show in Singapore. Another must-see attraction in the quay is the G-Max reverse bungee jump – a capsule that launces you off into the air at a jaw-dropping speed – something that will definitely stay with you after your vacation is over.

8. S.E.A. Aquarium

S.E.A Aquarium is located within Resorts World Sentosa. This aquarium has everything you have ever dreamed of seeing, when it comes to marine life. It is a part of the Marine Life Park and is the largest oceanarium in the world, winner of awards such as “World’s biggest aquarium deck”. The aquarium is spread over 20 acres and houses approximately 800 species, some of which you cannot see anywhere in the world, unless you are a marine biologist. Following Singapore’s tradition of consideration for the animals’ wellbeing, the oceanarium is divided into 10 zones with a total of 49 habitats. The large glass underwater tunnel makes you feel like a real deep-ocean diver, surrounded by hundreds of spectacular water creatures. The Marina Life Park also features the Adventure Cove Waterpark.

7. Merlion Park

Merlion Park is located on 1 Fullerton Road. Visiting Singapore without going to Merlion Park is almost like not having been in the megapolis at all. Merlion Park is an incredibly popular landmark in Singapore, located in close proximity to the Central Business District. There are, in fact, two Merlions – the original one, which stands at almost 30 feet tall (8.6 meters) and the Merlion cub which is 7 feet tall (2 meters). Originally, the statue was situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, but after the construction of the Esplanade Bridge it could no longer be clearly viewed and was moved. No matter where you are in Singapore and what you have decided to do, be sure to snap a picture of yourself and your travel companions in front of this iconic statue.

6. Singapore F1 Grand Prix

This international Grand Prix event takes place every September in Marina Bay Street Circuit. This event is perfect for those with a need for speed. It is one of Singapore’s most spectacular happenings, offering visitors the chance to watch their favorite F1 racers compete for the title, as well as to enjoy some live music performances. Even though there are other Formula one races around the world, this one is very special, as it is the only one held at night – the beautifully lit track alone is something to see. Every engineering enthusiast will feel right at home during this race and there are many other attractions within the event for those who are not that interested in F1.

5. Orchard Road

Orchard Road is a 1.4 mile-Long Boulevard, located in the heart of Singapore, and is a real paradise for shopaholics. This is the absolute perfect place to “shop till you drop” in Singapore, as Orchard Road is home to many shopping malls, luxury and some budget brands. To be exact, Orchard Road has more than 22 shopping malls and 6 department stores, making it pretty much impossible to spend just a single day there, especially if you are a true fashion devotee. In between shopping sprees you can relax in the many stylish restaurants the boulevard has to offer.

Orchard Road is also home of some of the famous flagship stores in Singapore including H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch and others.

4. Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is located off the southern coast of Singapore and rated as top family attraction in Singapore. This is a place where everyone can find something to enjoy – nature-lovers, party-goers and all the rest. You can reach the island by car, Sentosa train and the Singapore Cable Car which connects the island and Mount Faber. While on it, you’d be able to marvel at Singapore’s beautiful natural resources from up high and finally, you will end your journey at the Imbiah Lookout. From there, you’d be able to choose from a number of fascinating tourist attractions in Singapore.

One of them is Resorts World Sentosa, which offers a number of hotels, two casinos, a water park, an oceanarium and most importantly – the Universal Studios theme park. If you have not yet made the decision of fitting Sentosa Island into your itinerary, there is one more amazing attraction you should know about – the Zouk Out party, which takes place in December. This is Asia’s biggest music dance festival – a dream come true for any party-goer.

3. Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay Singapore is a recipient of Thea 2014 Awards for Outstanding Performance

Located on 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Singapore, a fact made official by the Thea 2014 Award that it received. The award is similar to the Oscars, only it is for attractions and is incredibly prestigious. The Gardens by the Bay are an amazing, culturally rich collection of architecture and plant life. They are something unique to Singapore and are certainly a must-see attraction with the Flower Dome, Heritage Gardens and especially the Cloud Forest which will make you feel as though a guest on an alien planet. Gardens by the bay is certainly one of the best tourist attractions in Singapore.

2. Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is located on 10 Bayfront Avenue and the second best attraction among 20 tourist attractions in Singapore. If you have been planning your trip for some time now, there is no way you haven’t heard of Marina Bay Sands. This is, by far, Singapore’s most famous hotel and one the city’s most distinguishable buildings, with its three towers of 57 floors connected by ship-like formation – the Skypark. Marina Bay Sands offers a lot of attractions, most famously the ArtScience Museum, Wonder Full (a stunning light and laser show), the shops and the Skypark with its infinity pool, which gives mesmerizing view of the megapolis. You can marvel in the views for a fee, even if you’re not a guest of the hotel, but you cannot use the swimming pool.

Universal Studios Singapore is located on Sentosa Island, as part of Resorts World Sentosa. This is a wildly fun theme park that transports you into the world of fantasy and entertainment. Provided you are no stranger to heights and furious speeds, Universal Studios Singapore has some amazing rides to offer, including the world’s tallest dueling roller coasters based on the famous TV show Battlestar Gallactica. The theme park has some great adventures for the calmer of heart as well – like the musical show featuring the Universal Monsters. The park is divided into 7 themed zones – Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar.

No matter how old you are, this theme park, which is the first in South East Asia, will convince you that this is where fun lives. For the same reason Universal Studios Singapore is the top attraction among best 20 tourist attractions in Singapore.

I hope you find 20 best tourist attractions in Singapore guide pretty useful. If you want to add your suggestion then please do so by adding comments below (: